I’m starting to feel like the “Router Whisperer” thanks to the last two reviews I’ve done at ToolSelect.com. This time I had a chance to share my views on the DeWalt DW618 6-speed fixed base router.

I don’t ordinarily use a fixed base router on a regular basis in the wood shop, but this model is actually the one I have mounted in the router table ALL the time! It’s a great tool with plenty of power and gets the job(s) done as expected.

Comments (3)

Hi Matt.
I used to agree with you on the 618, but it has a major defect. During use, the magnetic speed control ring will break. You’ll hear a pop, the router will rev up to full speed, and that’s the end of the speed control. The ring is cheap, and easy to replace if you have a bearing puller, but it’s a known defect that dewalt refuses to acknowledge.

I love the 618 plunge base; it’s the best in the business, but the 618 motors are very unreliable. So for now I’ve been using 616 motors with my 618 plunge bases with great results.